Officials Rally To Save Edison Job Corps, Urges NJ Lawmakers To Advocate

EDISON, NJ — Edison Council unanimously adopted a resolution on Monday urging federal lawmakers to preserve funding for the Edison Job Corps Center, which faces closure as part of a nationwide pause in the federal workforce development program.

The resolution comes in response to the U.S. Department of Labor's announcement in May that it would begin phasing out operations at contractor-operated Job Corps centers across the country. The decision affects Edison's center, which has served as a cornerstone of local workforce development for years.

According to township officials, the Edison Job Corps Center has been instrumental in developing skilled workers who contribute significantly to the local economy and community development. The center offers training in various trades, including bricklaying, mechanical repair, and solar installation, with graduates often securing well-paying union positions.

Councilman Joe Coyle, who has worked closely with the Job Corps program, expressed disappointment over the federal decision to halt funding. "This has been a great opportunity for young students to be involved and create a job opportunity. For some of them, it's their only chance to get skilled in labor," Coyle said during Monday's meeting.

Coyle highlighted the program's evolution and success, noting that graduates in solar installation are securing union jobs paying $45 or more per hour. "It's a sad day for Job Corps and what it means for young students who can't find another place," he added.

When Councilman Ajay Patil asked whether Edison could take additional action beyond the resolution, the township attorney confirmed that local governments have no authority to override federal funding decisions. The resolution represents the township's primary avenue for advocacy.

The adopted resolution calls on New Jersey's Governor, State Legislature, and Congressional Delegation to advocate for preserving and funding the Job Corps program. "The Edison Township Council acknowledges the positive impact of the Edison Job Corps Center on the community and the potential adverse effects that its closure would entail," the document states.

The Department of Labor's decision aligns with President Trump's fiscal year 2026 budget proposal and reflects what the administration calls its commitment to ensuring federal workforce investments deliver meaningful results for students and taxpayers.

Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer defended the decision, citing both financial and safety concerns. "Job Corps was created to help young adults build a pathway to a better life through education, training, and community," she said. "However, a startling number of serious incident reports and our in-depth fiscal analysis reveal the program is no longer achieving the intended outcomes that students deserve."

The program has struggled with significant financial challenges under its current structure. The Department of Labor reports that Job Corps operated at a $140 million deficit in program year 2024, forcing the Biden administration to implement operational pauses to complete the program year. The deficit is projected to reach $213 million in program year 2025.

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